An Uxbridge woman is preparing to lace up her trainers for the London Marathon on April 23 to raise funds for RNIB.
Kellie Toombs, 23, was inspired to join Team RNIB for the iconic event to give something back to the charity which has supported her for many years.
Kellie, who manages a hair salon in West London, was born with a cataract in her right eye which was removed at an early age, but the surgery left her blind in one eye.
The vision in Kellie’s left eye is now deteriorating and she has been forced to come up with new ways of taking on everyday tasks, learning to live with her changing sight.
Kellie said: “The London Marathon has been on my bucket list for years. And with my left eye deteriorating, this may be my last chance to take part before I lose my sight completely.
“I don’t want to miss out on seeing the crowds of supporters lining the streets and London landmarks like Tower Bridge and Big Ben. But what I’m most looking forward to seeing is that finish line!
“The training has been tough, but what gets me through my early morning rainy runs is knowing that it’s all for a good cause.
“I’m so excited to be running for RNIB to give something back to the charity that has been there for me and does so much for blind and partially sighted people here in the UK.”
The Virgin Money London Marathon will be Kellie’s first marathon, building on a series of challenges she’s taken on to raise money for charity, most recently taking part in a skydive from 15,000 feet.
Lizzi Wagner, RNIB Senior Challenge Events Manager, said: “It’s fantastic to have Kellie on Team RNIB for this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon – she’s a real inspiration.
“The money she raises will enable us to continue to help people living with sight loss to face the future with confidence, so please dig deep and support Kellie’s fundraising efforts.”
Kellie hopes to cross the finish line in under four hours, and aims to raise more than £2,000 for RNIB by running pampering sessions, cake sales and raffles.
To help Kellie reach her fundraising target and support RNIB, please donate at http://bit.ly/KellieToombs
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